Edmonton Police Seize 75 Guns, 100,000 Rounds

An Edmonton man has been charged with 72 offences after RCMP seized 75 firearms and 100,000 rounds of ammunition at a home.

Christian Bonilla, 39, is also accused of trying to smuggle an illegal weapon into Canada, according to court documents obtained by CBC News.

"It is a very serious situation, being in possession of a prohibited firearm, if proceeded by indictment, can lead to a sentence of up to ten years in prison," said RCMP Cpl. Warren Wright.

Bonilla was stopped at the Aldergrove, B.C., border crossing on May 26. He is accused of telling Canadian border guards that a gun found in his vehicle was properly registered, even though he had no documentation.

The gun was seized, and Bonilla was allowed to continue his trip home to Edmonton.

But when officers investigated, they discovered the gun was a prohibited weapon. Investigators eventually searched Bonilla's south Edmonton house on Aug. 30.

They found 70 firearms, four classified as prohibited, documents show. They also seized suppressors, also known as silencers.

Police also found a workshop set up to modify firearms, five partial weapons in the process of being modified and more than 100,000 rounds of ammunition.

Investigators believe Bonilla has bought and sold more than 300 firearms. They say he has been to the United States 12 times in the past two years.

None of the allegations in the documents has been proven in court.

Bonilla faces four counts of importing a prohibited firearm, four counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, 49 counts of possessing a prohibited gun magazine and 15 unsafe storage charges.

Police believe the weapons were part of Bonilla's private collection and don't believe he is tied to the illegal gun trade.

Bonilla works as a paramedic in St. Albert and has a wife and young child. Neighbours are trying to come to terms with news of the charges.

"I enjoy their company," said Jim Qualie. "They have kids, at least one child. Our kids play together, We didn't suspect anything so it was quite surprising to see that kind of a raid happening."

Bonilla has been suspended from his job. His first court appearance is in January.